Orthodoxy Boom Draws Conservative Americans to Russian Church Traditions

Pandemic-era interest in strict, 'masculine' Orthodox Christianity sees surge in US converts, especially among young men

Apr. 12, 2026 at 9:50am

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A bold, colorful silkscreen print featuring an Orthodox Christian cross repeated in a grid pattern, capturing the modern pop art aesthetic and the rising interest in Orthodox traditions.The growing popularity of Orthodox Christianity in the US reflects a desire among some Americans for a more traditional, conservative form of worship.NYC Today

A growing number of Americans, particularly young conservative men, are converting to Orthodox Christianity, drawn to its traditional, strict, and 'masculine' form of worship. The trend, which accelerated during the pandemic, has seen a surge in catechumens (those preparing for baptism) at many Orthodox parishes across the US. Factors driving the boom include the continued in-person services of Orthodox churches, the appeal of Orthodox rituals and moral stances, and the rise of online Orthodox influencers.

Why it matters

The Orthodox Christian population in the US remains small, around 1% of the total, but the recent influx of new, mostly young and male, converts represents a significant shift. It highlights a desire among some Americans for a more traditional, conservative form of Christianity that contrasts with the 'liberal' tendencies of many mainstream Protestant and Catholic churches.

The details

Many Orthodox parishes saw their catechumen classes (those preparing for baptism) grow from around 10-12 people to 50-150 in recent years, with some communities doubling or tripling in size. The pandemic played a key role, as Orthodox churches continued in-person services while other denominations closed. This attracted people disillusioned with more 'liberal' Christian traditions. The Orthodox emphasis on strict rituals, clear moral stances against LGBTQ+ issues and feminism, and a 'masculine' aesthetic with bearded priests and large families also appealed to many conservative converts, especially men.

  • The Orthodox Christian boom in the US has accelerated over the past 13 years.
  • The pandemic in 2020 was a key turning point that drove increased interest and conversions.

The players

Valentin Bogdanov

A VGTRK Bureau Chief in New York who has observed the growth of Orthodox Christianity in the US over the past 13 years.

St. Nicholas Patriarchal Cathedral

Considered the main temple of the Russian Orthodox Church in the USA, located in New York City.

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What they’re saying

“Many priests say that their classes of catechumens (preparing for baptism) have increased significantly: from 10-12 people to 50-150 in some places. Some communities have doubled or tripled in recent years.”

— Valentin Bogdanov, VGTRK Bureau Chief in New York

“Many people note with approval that Orthodoxy has a more 'masculine' character than other traditions. Priests (who are necessarily men and can be married) often wear large beards and have large families.”

— Valentin Bogdanov, VGTRK Bureau Chief in New York

What’s next

Religious leaders and sociologists will likely continue to monitor the growth of Orthodox Christianity in the US, especially among younger generations, to better understand the factors driving this trend and its broader implications for the religious landscape.

The takeaway

The surge in Orthodox conversions, particularly among young conservative men, reflects a desire for a more traditional, strict, and 'masculine' form of Christianity that contrasts with the perceived 'liberal' tendencies of many mainstream Protestant and Catholic churches. This shift could have significant long-term impacts on the religious makeup and dynamics within the US.